A number of roads will be closed when Bolton hosts its annual Ironman weekend of sport.

Bolton is gearing up for the world’s largest Ironkids race on Saturday, July 15 and the gruelling Ironman event on Sunday, July 16.

To facilitate both events safely, a number of road closures will be in place around the borough.

Key roads will be closed

A number of roads will be closed in the town centre – Ironkids will start and finish on Le Mans Crescent and the Ironman finish line is also on Le Mans Crescent.

From 1am on Friday, July 14 to 8am on Monday, July 17 vehicles will not be able to enter or exit Le Mans Crescent from Deansgate or Ashburner St.

Knowsley Street to Deansgate will be closed for Ironkids from 6am to 1pm and 9am to midnight for Ironman.

Roads will also be closed on Sunday, July 16 in the west of Bolton for the Ironman triathlon, which involves a 2.4-mile swim in Pennington Flash, a 112-mile bike, and a marathon.

Due to the cycling route, some roads in Westhoughton will be closed from 6am to 9.30am, including Platt Lane from North Road to Park Road.

Junction Road West, in Lostock, will be closed from 6am to 9.30am. Beaumont Road (northbound) will also have a single lane closure from Junction Road West to Chorley New Road, from 6am to 9.30am.

From 6am to 5.30pm, Chorley New Road will also be closed from Beaumont Road to De Havilland Way to allow competitors to pass through safely.

Chorley New Road will be closed from 10.30am to midnight for the marathon, from Beaumont Road to the junction with St George’s Road and Chorley Old Road. Marshals will be present to allow access for emergency services, residents, and businesses.

Shoppers are advised that Middlebrook Retail Park will be open as usual 11am to 5pm - please enter from De Havilland Way past Tesco.

Ironman UK Race Director, Sam Brawn said: “Ironman UK is one of the biggest events of the year and a real highlight of the UK and Ireland race season. With an event of this magnitude, certain road closures are necessary to ensure a safe race for the athletes.

“The support of the people and communities in and around Bolton is what makes this event special and we thank everyone for getting behind the event. We look forward to an exciting race and hope to see the renowned Bolton supporters around the course once more, cheering the athletes on.”

Bolton Council’s Cabinet Member for Culture, Cllr John Byrne, said: “This is the ninth Ironman hosted in Bolton and the sixth Ironkids that we are hosting and both of these events bring thousands of people into Bolton and vast economic benefit to the town.

“We want to make sure both of these events are once again a success for the town and the road closures are essential to facilitate the events safely.

“We would encourage people to plan their travel and we would like to thank residents, businesses and motorists in advance for their patience and support.

“I would also like to wish everyone competing the best of luck – it is such a huge feat and I’m looking forward to cheering everybody on.”